William E. Kelch

life story

"The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want..."

About Bill

Bill was born on September 5, 1932, in Markville, MN. At age 14, he took over the 160-acre family farm, planting 13 acres of corn with a horse and one bottom plow. Other jobs included cutting pulp by hand saw and, at age 16, driving iron ore trucks in Virginia, MN.

He married Glennda Nelson on October 18, 1952. Drafted into the army at age 20, he served in Germany during the Korean War. After the Army, Bill worked at International Harvester for 42 years, retiring from what was then IH/Case at age 64.

Bill enjoyed hunting, cutting wood and tending his garden.

Bill is survived by his beloved wife of 73 years, Glennda; sons Steve (Judy), Glenn (Cindi) and Roy (Sharon); daughter Krista (Kevin); 12 grandchildren; 20 great-grandchildren; sister Patricia and his cat, Willie.

He is preceded in death by his parents, Russell and Louise; brothers Jerome, Russell (Conrad) and John; sisters Virginia and Sylvia.

memorial service

Funeral Service

July 23, 2026

Our Savior's Lutheran Church 9185 Lexington Ave NE, Circle Pines, MN 55014, USA

Visitation at 10:00AM at the church